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David Hearn

Talks  and Walking Tours - 2025

 62A Grove Road, Wallasey, CH45 3HW

 Mobile: 07739 38 63 67

 email: davidp.hearn@talktalk.net

 All of my talks are accompanied by PowerPoint slides to illustrate them and are delivered in a way that makes them interesting and, where appropriate, amusing.

I am happy to do talks mornings, afternoons and evenings including weekends if required.

I bring everything I need for my talk – all I ask is if you can provide a table please.

 

“Last Minute Talks”

If a speaker has been forced to cancel it is always worth contacting me for a “last minute talk” – if I am free and I can get to you I will. The shortest notice that I have done a talk is 15 minutes!

 

Zoom Talks

I am happy to do Zoom talks although I do not have a Zoom account of my own so I would rely on your organisation having a Zoom account. I am happy to do Zoom talks during the day or in the evening.

 

 

 

LIVERPOOL HISTORY TALKS

 

The Battle of the Atlantic

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest and most complicated campaign of the Second World War and if it had been lost so too would have been the war. Liverpool was pivotal to victory in the battle as were the civilian merchant seamen who suffered terribly.

 

The Liverpool Blitz

In the Second World War Liverpool was the most bombed city in Britain outside London. This is a terrifying story of fear and loss which was faced by the people of Liverpool with their traditional strength of character. Hear how the city came close to Martial Law and how it sought to re-build after the War.

 

The First Mersey Road Tunnel

When it was built in the 1930s the Queensway Tunnel from Liverpool to Birkenhead was a masterpiece of engineering hailed as the 8th Wonder of the World – hear of this great venture from inception to the royal opening.

 

Liverpool’s Links with America

The links between Liverpool and America are many and varied – they go back to a time before American was independent and continue to the present day.

 

Liverpool’s Links with Ireland

The Vikings who were ejected from Dublin found their way to the banks of the Mersey but it was King John’s need for a port to supply his Irish expedition that gained Liverpool its first charter in 1207. Ships from Ireland brought butter, sheep, cattle, linen and the victims of the Great Famine to Liverpool. Many Irish passed through Liverpool to new homes around the world but many also stayed. The links between Liverpool and Ireland are many and varied.

 

 Liverpool and Slavery

Liverpool was involved in slavery on a number of levels from the trans-Atlantic slave trade, through the trade in goods cultivated by enslaved people, to plantations owned by Liverpool people and the involvement of Liverpool in the American Civil War.


Jesse Hartley – Liverpool Dock Engineer

Liverpool was the first town or city in the world to have a full-time salaried dock engineer and for almost 40 years that person was Jesse Hartley who was responsible for increasing the size of the Liverpool dock complex almost five fold and making many improvements to the system.

 

Liverpool and the American Civil War

Liverpool was involved in the American Civil War on a number of levels from the first shot being fired up to the surrender of the last Confederate unit some 6 months after the formal end of the war. 

 

Liverpool Shipping Lines

Over the years Liverpool has been the home port of many shipping lines which covered every corner of the globe. Some of the lines may be familiar but others have disappeared into the past and are almost unknown yet all have interesting stories.

 

Liverpool Lives

Some people from Liverpool who deserve much more recognition than they get.

 

Sir William Brown

An Irish/American merchant and banker who gave his name to a famous street in the city and yet remains relatively unknown. Hear about his amazing life and learn his dark secret.  

 

The Liverpool Overhead Railway

From its original inception to its closure and subsequent demolition the story of “The Dockers Umbrella” is a fascinating one. This talk includes two pieces of film that will give you an idea of what travel on the railway was like.

 

Liverpool’s Railway Heritage

Liverpool was at the centre of the railway “revolution|” of the 1820s/30s as well as other railway innovations and yet the stories are not as well-known as they ought to be.

 

Defences of the Mersey

The commercial importance of Liverpool over the centuries has meant that the port has needed to be protected from possible attack – land-based batteries, sea forts and other defences formed a defensive barrier yet, in the early years at least, who were the likely attackers?

 

Liverpool – a Maritime Mercantile City

Although Liverpool has lost its UNESCO World Heritage Site status there are very many buildings in the city that bear witness to the fact that Liverpool was, indeed, a Maritime Mercantile city. Examples of Neptune, the King of the Sea, and Mercury the God of commerce and merchants, can still be seen all over the city.

 

185 Years of Cunard

From its formation in 1840 the Cunard Line has been through many triumphs and disasters and the story of the company is one which will fascinate on different levels.

 

Slave Streets of Liverpool

Many streets in Liverpool carry the names of people who were involved in the dark history of Liverpool’s involvement in slavery. The talk includes the stories behind some streets that you may know and others you may not but they all have a fascinating story that will make you look at the city in a different light.

 

Cotton – Liverpool & Lancashire

At one time over one million people in Britain were directly involved in the cotton business and most of these were in Lancashire which, of course, included Liverpool. The story of cotton through the eyes of Liverpool, Manchester and the rest of Lancashire is as fascinating as it is disturbing on several levels.

 

Soldiers on the streets and warships in the Mersey

Strikes in Liverpool in 1911 and 1919 saw the Army on the streets of the city and warships in the River Mersey. A revolution was feared and the government reacted with a huge show of strength which saw infantry with fixed bayonets, cavalry and even tanks on the streets of the city and cruisers in the river.

 

Liverpool Firsts

The people of Liverpool are dynamic, intelligent and imaginative – it is not surprising therefore that many things of both national and international importance were first seen in Liverpool or were picked up quickly by Liverpool and adapted to the needs of the city. This talk covers many “Liverpool Firsts” and some “Liverpool Seconds” as well.

 

Liverpool Privateers

Sometimes called “Pirates”, Privateers bought a “licence” called a Letter of Marque from the government that allowed them to attack the ships of Britain’s enemies – a dangerous enterprise but often extremely profitable.

 

D-Day and Merseyside’s involvement in the campaign

D-Day was the greatest seaborne invasion in history – this talks tells the story of the battle and the fascinating involvement of Merseyside in the preparation.

 

The Mighty River Mersey

Whilst the Mersey is not by any measure a long river it has a national and international importance that makes it one of the great rivers of the world. From its importance in the despicable slave trade to it being the last sight of Europe for around 6 million emigrants, a major enabler of the industrial revolution, its pivotal role in the Battle of the Atlantic and now as a major tourist attraction the Mersey is indeed a mighty river.

 

The Liverpool International Garden Festival of 1984

In 1981 Liverpool was rocked by the Toxteth Riots which exposed many social and political issues of a city in apparent terminal decline. In 1984 an International Garden Festival  took  place on a piece of previously derelict land in Liverpool which was the start of the re-birth of the City.

   

LIVERPOOL ARCHITECTURE, MEMORIALS & PUBLIC ART

Liverpool’s Fab Five

Nothing to do with the Beatles! This talk is about 5 (or more) Liverpool architects who made dramatic and lasting additions to the city’s stock of buildings. Many of these buildings remain as a dramatic testimony to the importance of Liverpool yet the architects remained modest with at least two of the five turning down Knighthoods. 

 

The Georgian architecture of Liverpool

Liverpool can rightly claim to be a Georgian city with a huge collection of commercial, public and private Georgian buildings. This talk looks at some of the surviving Georgian buildings and how events in the history of Liverpool were pivotal in their creation.

 

The Victorian architecture of Liverpool  

As Liverpool expanded commercially in the 19th Century to become the “second city of empire” many important commercial and public buildings were built to service the expansion of the city. The story of the buildings and the historical developments behind them is a fascinating one.  

 

The 20th Century architecture of Liverpool

The “Three Graces” at Liverpool Pier Head are recognised across the world but there are many more world class buildings that were built during the 20th Century. Some older buildings were destroyed or damaged during the Blitz of the Second World War and were replaced in the years after the war.  

 

The 21st Century architecture of Liverpool

Love it or hate it Liverpool is a city that has developed and re-invented itself constantly over the last three hundred years and the architecture of the last quarter century reflects the changing needs of the city from a commercial and residential point of view.  

  

Lost Liverpool

It is sometimes joked that Liverpool’s post war planners did more damage to the city than the bombers of the Luftwaffe had during the Blitz. See some of the “lost treasures” of Liverpool and what has replaced them. 

 

Well that’s not what it used to be!

There are many buildings in Liverpool that are no longer used for the purpose for which they were designed and built – hear about the previous and current uses of some well-known Liverpool buildings. 

 

Sefton Park - A Parisian Park for the People of Liverpool

Liverpool has many magnificent parks but Sefton Park is certainly the “jewel in the crown”. Hear about the creation of the park, its wonderful architecture and sculptures and some of the events it has hosted through the years. I have so many wonderful photographs of the park that choosing illustrations for this talk has been really difficult.

 

The Many Maritime Memorials of Merseyside

Given the close involvement of Liverpool and Merseyside to the sea over hundreds of years it will not be a surprise to learn that there are many memorials with maritime links. What might be more surprising is that most of these memorials have been funded by groups or individuals rather than national bodies.

 

Liverpool’s Wonderful Memorials

Liverpool has the highest number of memorials of any UK city outside London – they vary from the grand to the almost unnoticed. I will introduce you to some memorials that you may never have even noticed and, hopefully, encourage you to look at some more familiar memorials in a different light.

 

The Memorials and public art at the Pier Head Liverpool

In the relatively small area around the Pier head in Liverpool there are many memorials and pieces of public art. See them all and meet the artists behind them.   

 

George Herbert Tyson Smith

The work of this great Liverpool sculptor can be found all over Merseyside and beyond and he deserves to be much better known than he is.

 

The Public Sculpture of Liverpool

No memorials, no Liver Birds but public sculpture around Liverpool which is of the finest quality, tells a story or is amusing. [Contains artistic nudity.]

 

"Always look up in Liverpool" Series

Liver Birds

It is often said that if you look higher than the ground floor facades in Liverpool you will see some architectural masterpieces. This is certainly true of the Liver Birds which flock around the city in great numbers. See if you know where the Liver Birds in this talk are.

 

A Liverpool Safari

It is often said that if you look higher than the ground floor facades in Liverpool you will see some architectural masterpieces. From a camel to a gorilla putting on make-up via an octopus or eight together with an animal that nobody is quite sure what it is Liverpool is full of animals … if you know where to look! 

 

Dragons and other Beasties

It is often said that if you look higher than the ground floor facades in Liverpool you will see some architectural masterpieces. Dragons, griffins, wyverns and unicorns can be found in all sorts of unusual places around Liverpool. Join in the search for the unexpected. 

 

Public Art

Some Liverpool public art is very obvious but some of it is less well known. From sculpture over 200 years old to 21st Century street art – Liverpool has a fascinating collection Follow me on a virtual tour of Liverpool public art – there are many examples … as long as you know where to look! 

 

 

GENERAL TOPICS

Up Before the Beak

Thankfully most people will never have reason to visit a Magistrates Court and yet these courts and its volunteer Magistrates are crucial to the whole criminal justice of England and Wales. As a former magistrate I will guide you through the workings of the Magistrates Courts including what cases are heard, bail and sentencing.

 

The Titanic

A Liverpool registered ship that was destined never to visit the city. Titanic has captured the public imagination for the most tragic reasons This talk tells the story from its construction to its untimely end.

 

There was more to Merseybeat than The Beatles

A look at the background to the Merseybeat “revolution” and some of the over 350 groups that were the Merseybeat phenomenon.

 

The Social and Cultural Revolution that was The Beatles

The importance of The Beatles went much further than their music – they started a social and cultural “revolution” that was an important part of the massive changes in the 1960s.

 

Liverpool No1’s from the 50s to the 80s

The 1950s to the 1980s were a golden period for musicians from Liverpool – in this talk we will see the well-known groups – how many can you remember – and some you may not have heard of.

 

Great Cartoons and the Artists Behind Them

Cartoons have been used to amuse some people and “attack” others for a couple of hundred years. This talk looks at some well-known cartoons and the talented artists behind them.

 

The Battle of Trafalgar

220 years ago the 21st October 1805 saw a battle off the Southern coast of Spain in which Admiral Nelson defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet destroying the hopes of Napoleon to invade Britain and giving the Royal Navy control of the seas for over 100 years. At the very moment of victory Nelson died from a wound received earlier in the battle.

 

The Battle of Waterloo

In June 1918 an Allied army under the command of the Duke of Wellington met and defeated Napoleon Bonaparte at one of the most important battles in history. Wellington called it a “Near Run Thing” – who was responsible for winning  (or losing) the battle of Waterloo?

 

Great photographs and the stories behind them

Photography is a comparatively new art form but many photographs are as well-known as the painted  “old masters” – see some photographs that you are sure to recognise and learn the often surprising stories behind them.

 

A Grand Day out in New Brighton

A walk down Memory Lane looking at the growth, decline and re-birth of New Brighton with many images that will reawaken memories of a grand day out!

 

A History of New Brighton

A more formal history of New Brighton from the days before it was even called New Brighton through its “ups and downs” to the present day.

 

The Cheshire Yeomanry – 225 years

Originally formed as part of the response to the threat posed by Revolutionary France and the rise of Napoleon the Cheshire Yeomanry has had a continuous history (sometimes only just) of over 225 years. From acting “in aid of the civil power”, through the 2nd Boer War and two World Wars the regiment has an interesting record and the accolade of being the last British regiment to fight on horses. This presentation includes some images which have not been seen for over 100 years.

 

The 22nd Regiment of Foot – a History of the Cheshire Regiment

The Cheshire Regiment has a long an illustrious history from its foundation in 1689 until 2007 when it was merged and became 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment.

 

The Wirral – a rather special place to live

Often over-shadowed by Liverpool and Chester and dismissed as a “dormitory” the Wirral has a fascinating past that is often over-looked.

 

The Beautiful Buildings of Birkenhead

Although often over-shadowed by its neighbour across the Mersey, Birkenhead has more than its fair share of beautiful buildings which deserve to be better known.

 

MEMORIES AND REMINISCING

Do you remember the 60s?

A light hearted look at the politics, cars, fashion, films, advertisements of the 1960s. A trip down memory lane and a reminder that during the 1960s EVERYTHING changed! This talk very much encourages audience participation.

 

Do you remember the 50s?

Very similar to my “Do you remember the 60s” talk but about the 1950s.

 

Do you remember the 70s?

Similar to “Do you remember the 60s?” and “Do you remember the 50s?” but about the 1970s … but I’m sure you had worked that out.

 

And Now For Something Completely Different! British Comedians of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

I think that the title says it all.

 

British TV  Comedy of the 1970’s, 1980s and 1990s

Much of what is now considered to be classic British TV comedy dates from these decades. Join me on a trip through some unforgettable comedy – meet the characters and  be reminded of stories and catch phrases.

 

Do you remember when …?

Images from the last 50 or 60 years of things that have changed or even disappeared completely.

 

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN
– some talks that are specific to certain times of the year.

 

Christmas Traditions in Britain and around the world

From benevolent witches to roller skating to church on Christmas Eve and wearing red underwear in Spain this talk includes both the familiar and the unusual traditions from Britain and around the world and explains why you are unlikely to enjoy Christmas lunch in Greenland.

 

Chinese New Year

A look at the food and traditions that are associated with the Lunar New Year.

 

Halloween

Halloween traditions from around the world.

 

Dulce et decorum est pro Patria Mori

This talk will change depending on where I present it – the talk will include war memorials local to where I am speaking as well as some nationally important memorials in the Merseyside area.

 

  

WALKING TOURS – 2025

 Mobile: 07739 38 63 67

 email: davidp.hearn@talktalk.net

Sefton Park  is the jewel in the crown of Liverpool’s Victorian Parks. In this walk we will talk about history of the park together with the various buildings and memorials.

 

The Georgian Quarter – Liverpool retains much Georgian architecture and this tour visits some examples of residential and commercial Georgian properties. There is plenty to see other than just Georgian architecture and other buildings and sites of interest are not, of course, forgotten.

 

Well … that’s not what it was! Liverpool has much fine architecture yet the city is not a museum and some buildings have out-lived the purpose for which they were originally designed. Some buildings have been “re-imagined” so as to bring new life to them.

 

Liverpool’s architectural master pieces. Liverpool has many buildings of national and international importance and every one of them has a story to tell not only of the architecture but of the city itself.

 

A series of walking tours for people who don’t like walking too far.

 

Castle Street - from the Town Hall to the Law Courts Castle Street was once the main business street of Liverpool but now it is a bustling area of coffee shops, bars and restaurants however the fine buildings and their stories remain.

 

Church Street – starting at Central Station we will walk downhill for the length of Church St. We will walk through 300 years of Liverpool history and see some fine buildings as well as some fascinating stories together with interesting and perhaps unexpected public art.

 

Bold Street – once home to upmarket shops Bold Street is now a busy route between the universities and the main shopping area of the city. Many of the buildings have interesting stories.

 

The Pier Head – the most internationally recognisable view of Liverpool is the “Three Graces” but there is a lot more to this area than these three buildings. There are many memorials in the area that tell the story of Liverpool’s historical links with the sea.

 

St George’s Plateau, St John’s Gardens and William Brown Street St George’s Hall is one of the finest neo-classical buildings in the world but so too do the buildings of William Brown Street. The Liverpool Cenotaph is accepted as one of the ten most important war memorials in Britain.

 

Hope Street – Starting at the Catholic Cathedral and ending at the Anglican Cathedral. The walk takes us past architecture of  the 18th,  19th, 20th and 21st Centuries including some iconic buildings all with their own stories.

 

Three Wirral Walks

The Old Promenade in New Brighton/Wallasey

Starting and finishing at Victoria Road in New Brighton this walk takes us along the pedestrianised “old promenade” to Seacombe Ferry. On the walk towards Seacombe Ferry we will look at and talk about what we see in Liverpool and on the return journey we will look at the architecture and hear the stories of Wallasey and New Brighton history.  

 

Hamilton Square and Woodside, Birkenhead

Hamilton Square is a magnificent collection of Grade I listed Georgian properties, Birkenhead Town Hall and some fine memorials. We then head towards Woodside learning the stories of the buildings we pass including one of the first deep underground stations in the World, the entrance to Birkenhead docks, a Giant grass-hopper and much else of interest.  

 

New Brighton Ancient and Modern

From the Battery and lighthouse dating from the 1820s to 21st Century street art the 200+ years of New Brighton give us many stories to explore.  

 

Two “long” walks

The two walks below are more physically demanding and there are fewer opportunities to stop and sit down. The routes are not very accessible for people with mobility aids. If in doubt please ask.

 

The North Docks The wealth of Liverpool comes from the sea and its worldwide connections.  Although much has changed in the North Docks area, ships can still be seen alongside. There are warehouses from the 19th and 20th centuries and accumulator towers. To return to Liverpool we can either take the train (cost of rail fair not included) or walk along the Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath as far as the locks at Stanley Dock.

 

The South Docks The South Docks are now only used for pleasure craft and leisure purposes but there is still plenty to see. The walk starts with a detailed visit to the Royal Albert Dock  Some of the South Docks have been filled in but much of interest remains. The riverside walk enables us to see the Camel Laird ship builders, Tranmere oil terminal and the site of the last act of the American Civil War. To return to the city centre we can either catch the train (cost of rail fare not included) or take a different route on foot back to the city centre.



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